Tool pouch connector

ABSTRACT

A tool pouch connector for connecting a tool pouch to a safety harness having a waist pad assembly with a belt loop and a waist belt comprises a bar portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. At least one of the first end and the second end is movable relative to another of the first end and the second end to move between an open position and a closed position. The bar portion is configured and arranged to engage the tool pouch, and at least one of the first end and the second end forming a receiver opening configured and arranged to engage the waist pad assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/173,823 filed Jun. 10, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tool pouches allow tool and fastener carrying versatility, increased organization, and increased efficiency for people working at heights. A typical tool pouch includes a loop through which the safety harness's waist belt is positioned to connect the tool pouch to the user's harness. This provides added support and eliminates the possibility of releasing the tool pouch while working. When not in use, the tool pouch can easily be removed from the harness by sliding the waist belt out of the tool pouch's loop. Positioning the tool pouch proximate the user's waist and ergonomic hip pads helps distribute weight evenly on the user's shoulders and hips for maximum comfort that results in greater productivity. One drawback is that the position of the tool pouch on the user's waist belt could interfere with use of the side D-rings commonly used in work positioning and could make it difficult to access some of the tools or fasteners.

For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for a tool pouch connector.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-mentioned problems associated with prior devices are addressed by embodiments of the present invention and will be understood by reading and understanding the present specification. The following summary is made by way of example and not by way of limitation. It is merely provided to aid the reader in understanding some of the aspects of the invention.

In one embodiment, a tool pouch connector for connecting a tool pouch to a safety harness having a waist pad assembly with a belt loop and a waist belt comprises a bar portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. At least one of the first end and the second end is movable relative to another of the first end and the second end to move between an open position and a closed position. The bar portion is configured and arranged to engage the tool pouch, and at least one of the first end and the second end forming a receiver opening configured and arranged to engage the waist pad assembly.

In one embodiment, a tool pouch connector for connecting a tool pouch to a safety harness having a waist pad assembly with a belt loop and a waist belt comprises a bar portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotable relative to the second end to pivot between an open position and a closed position. The bar portion is configured and arranged to engage the tool pouch. At least one of the first end and the second end form a receiver opening configured and arranged to engage the waist pad assembly.

In one embodiment, a method of attaching a tool pouch to a safety harness having a waist pad assembly with a belt loop and a waist belt comprises obtaining a connector including a bar portion interconnecting a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end forming a receiver opening, at least one of the first end and the second end being movable between an open position and a closed position; positioning the connector in the open position; inserting one of the first end and the second end through a channel in the tool pouch; positioning the tool pouch on the bar portion; positioning the connector in the closed position; positioning the receiver opening about the belt loop of the waist pad assembly; and inserting the waist belt through the belt loop of the waist pad assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can be more easily understood, and further advantages and uses thereof can be more readily apparent, when considered in view of the detailed description and the following Figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a tool pouch connector interconnecting a tool pouch and a safety harness donned by a user constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the tool pouch connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the tool pouch connector shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the tool pouch connector shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the tool pouch connector shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the tool pouch connector shown in FIG. 2 in an open position;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the tool pouch connector shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the tool pouch connector shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the tool pouch connector shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the tool pouch connector shown in FIG. 2 in an open position being inserted through a loop of a tool pouch;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the tool pouch connector shown in FIG. 10 in a closed position being positioned on a belt loop of a safety harness;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the tool pouch connector shown in FIG. 11 with a waist belt of the safety harness extending through the belt loop of the safety harness interconnecting the tool pouch connector and the safety harness;

FIG. 13 is a front view of another embodiment tool pouch connector constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the tool pouch connector shown in FIG. 13; and

FIG. 15 is a front view of another embodiment tool pouch connector constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to the present invention. Reference characters denote like elements throughout the Figures and the text.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration embodiments in which the inventions may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims and equivalents thereof.

Embodiments of the present invention generally provide a tool pouch connector for attaching a tool pouch to a waist pad assembly of a safety harness. The tool pouch connector includes a bar portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. At least one of the first end and the second end is movable relative to another of the first end and the second end to move between an open position and a closed position. The bar portion is configured and arranged to engage the tool pouch. The first end and the second end form a receiver opening configured and arranged to engage the waist pad assembly.

One embodiment provides a connector including a hinge for moving the connector into open and closed positions. Two overlapping ends form a receiver opening that fits around a belt loop of a safety harness, and one end is pivoted to open the connector for insertion through a belt loop or channel of a tool pouch. After the end of the connector is inserted through the belt loop or channel of the tool pouch, the connector is moved into the closed position. The receiver opening formed by the two ends fits around the belt loop of the harness, which is typically part of a waist pad assembly, and then the waist belt of the harness is inserted through the belt loop of the harness thereby attaching the connector to the harness. This allows the tool pouch to be connected to the harness without interfering with the side D-rings of the harness. It also allows the tool pouch to be positioned below the waist belt. Although this embodiment includes a hinge, for example a riveted pivot connection interconnecting two components, it is recognized that the connector could also have a relatively semi-rigid or rigid, unitary body with flexure in lieu of a hinge or that the connector could be made in part or in whole of a flexible material (e.g., webbing, rope, leather, and the like).

As shown in FIGS. 1-12, one embodiment provides a tool pouch connector 100 including a first portion 101 and a second portion 111. The first portion 101 includes a bar portion 102 with an end 103 having an aperture 104. An arm 105 extends generally upward and inward from an opposing end of the bar portion 102. The distal end of the arm 105 forms an opening 106 and an end 107.

The second portion 111 includes an end 113 having an aperture 114. An arm 115 extends generally upward and inward from the end 113. The distal end of the arm 115 forms an opening 116 and an end 117. A fastener 119, such as a rivet or the like, extends through the apertures 104 and 114 to pivotally connect the ends 103 and 113.

The connector 100 is shown in the closed position 125 in FIGS. 2-5. In the closed position 125, the distal ends of the arms 105 and 115 overlap and the openings 106 and 116 align to form a receiver opening. An opening or a slot 120 is formed between the arms 105 and 115 and the bar portion 102. The connector 100 is shown in the open position 124 in FIGS. 6-9. In the open position 124, the distal ends of the arms 105 and 115 are separated and form an opening 121 that provides access to the opening 120.

To connect the connector 100 to a tool pouch 130, the connector 100 is positioned in the open position 124, the open end is inserted through a channel 131 of the tool pouch 130, the tool pouch 130 is positioned on the bar portion 102 of the connector 100, and the connector 100 is positioned in the closed position 125. FIG. 10 shows the connector 100 being inserted through the channel 131 of the tool pouch 130. In the closed position 125, the ends of the connector 100 form the receiver opening. To connect the connector 100 to a waist pad assembly 136 of a safety harness 135, the receiver opening is positioned about a belt loop 137 of the waist pad assembly 136, and a waist belt 138 is inserted through the belt loop 137 of the waist pad assembly 136. FIG. 11 shows the receiver opening positioned about the belt loop 137, and FIG. 12 shows the waist belt 138 inserted through the belt loop 137 to connect the connector 100 to the waist pad assembly 136. The ends 107 and 117 and the corresponding shapes of the respective arms 105 and 115 provide additional surface area and strength in these areas.

The position of the tool pouch 130 below the user's waist belt 138 does not interfere with use of the side D-rings commonly used in work positioning. In addition, the lower position allows for easier access of the tools or fasteners stored in a variety of pockets and the like of the tool pouch 130. The connector 100 adds structure to the waist pad assembly 136 so the waist belt 138 does not sag and the tool pouch 130 is adequately supported.

Although any suitable material could be used, aluminum could be used because it is both strong and lightweight. Other examples of materials include, but are not limited to, polymers, steel, composites, and the like.

Other embodiments could include a belt or end loop as a receiver opening in one or both end portions. For example, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, one of the end portions 205 could include a belt or end loop 206 that extends through the opening 216 of the other end portion 215 to form a channel 206 a through which the waist belt of the waist pad assembly could be inserted to connect the connector 200 to the safety harness. The belt or end loop could be relatively wide or include two or more loops to help prevent the connector from rotating during use. This could allow different positions of the tool pouch along the waist belt and could allow use with other configurations of waist pad assemblies. Alternatively, in another embodiment connector 300 shown in FIG. 15, the end portions 305 and 315 could be spaced apart from one another rather than overlapping and both end portions 305 and 315 could include belt or end loops 306 and 316.

The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of embodiments of the invention. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the invention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof. 

1. A tool pouch connector for connecting a tool pouch to a safety harness having a waist pad assembly with a belt loop and a waist belt, comprising: a bar portion interconnecting a first end and a second end, at least one of the first end and the second end being movable relative to another of the first end and the second end to move between an open position and a closed position; the bar portion being configured and arranged to engage the tool pouch; and at least one of the first end and the second end forming a receiver opening configured and arranged to engage the waist pad assembly.
 2. The tool pouch of claim 1, wherein the first end is pivotally connected to the bar portion, the first end being pivotable between the open position and the closed position.
 3. The tool pouch of claim 1, wherein the first end forms a first opening and the second end forms a second opening, the first and second openings aligning to form the receiver opening.
 4. The tool pouch of claim 1, wherein the bar portion and the first and second ends form a slot therebetween.
 5. The tool pouch of claim 4, wherein the first and second ends form a slot opening in the open position providing access to the slot.
 6. The tool pouch of claim 1, wherein the receiver opening is configured and arranged to receive the belt loop.
 7. The tool pouch of claim 1, wherein the receiver opening is an end loop configured and arranged to receive the waist belt.
 8. A tool pouch connector for connecting a tool pouch to a safety harness having a waist pad assembly with a belt loop and a waist belt, comprising: a bar portion interconnecting a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotable relative to the second end to pivot between an open position and a closed position; the bar portion being configured and arranged to engage the tool pouch; and at least one of the first end and the second end forming a receiver opening configured and arranged to engage the waist pad assembly.
 9. The tool pouch of claim 8, wherein the first end forms a first opening and the second end forms a second opening, the first and second openings aligning to form the receiver opening.
 10. The tool pouch of claim 8, wherein the bar portion and the first and second ends form a slot therebetween.
 11. The tool pouch of claim 10, wherein the first and second ends form a slot opening in the open position providing access to the slot.
 12. The tool pouch of claim 8, wherein the receiver opening is configured and arranged to receive the belt loop.
 13. The tool pouch of claim 8, wherein the receiver opening is an end loop configured and arranged to receive the waist belt.
 14. A method of attaching a tool pouch to a safety harness having a waist pad assembly with a belt loop and a waist belt, comprising: obtaining a connector including a bar portion interconnecting a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end forming a receiver opening, at least one of the first end and the second end being movable between an open position and a closed position; positioning the connector in the open position; inserting one of the first end and the second end through a channel in the tool pouch; positioning the tool pouch on the bar portion; positioning the connector in the closed position; positioning the receiver opening about the belt loop of the waist pad assembly; and inserting the waist belt through the belt loop of the waist pad assembly.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first end is pivotally connected to the bar portion and pivots between the open position and the closed position.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the first end has a first opening, the second end has a second opening, and the first and second openings align to form the receiver opening. 